Digital nomad visa Spain checklist 2027: requirements, documents, and legal process

If you're planning to move to Spain as a digital nomad in 2027, this checklist will guide you through all the necessary steps to apply for the digital nomad visa Spain. This visa allows you to live and work legally in Spain for one year, renewable up to five years, provided you meet the financial, health insurance, and employment requirements. The process involves gathering documents, securing specific insurance, and submitting your application at the Spanish consulate in your country or, in some cases, directly in Spain if you're already there on another visa.

What you need to apply for the digital nomad visa in Spain in 2027

Spain requires applicants for the digital nomad visa to demonstrate stable income, a remote work contract with a company outside Spain or proof of self-employment with international clients, as well as private health insurance with coverage in Spain. Processing times vary by consulate but typically range from 15 to 45 days. This checklist ensures you don’t miss any steps and can organise your application in advance, avoiding delays due to incomplete documentation.

Use this list in Foco to track each task. Assign start and due dates, prioritise urgent items, and attach notes or scanned documents. If you’re working with a lawyer or agent, share specific tasks via public links so they can review your progress.

• Verify you meet the minimum income requirements (€2,520 gross per month in 2027 or €30,240 annually) for the last 3 months
• Obtain a criminal record certificate from your country of residence (apostilled and translated into Spanish if not from the EU)
• Request a work history report or remote work contract proving your professional activity with companies outside Spain
• Purchase private health insurance with full coverage in Spain (providers like Sanitas, Adeslas, or DKV offer policies for digital nomads)
• Fill out the official digital nomad visa application form (Model EX-01) available on the Spanish consulate’s website
• Book an appointment at the Spanish consulate in your country or at the Immigration Office in Spain if you already reside there
• Prepare two recent passport-sized photos with a white background, no glasses or accessories
• Obtain an official medical certificate confirming you do not have contagious diseases (as per International Health Regulations)
• Open a bank account in Spain (optional but recommended to demonstrate financial solvency; banks like BBVA or CaixaBank allow accounts to be opened from abroad)
• Pay the visa application fee (€80 in 2027 for non-EU citizens; €12 for EU citizens)
• Submit your passport with at least 1 year of validity and a copy of all pages with stamps or visas
• Include a motivation letter explaining your remote work plan in Spain and how you will comply with visa requirements
• If self-employed, provide a tax registration certificate and your latest VAT or income tax return from your country
• If employed, include a company letter confirming your position, salary, and that your work can be done remotely
• Translate into Spanish all documents not in Spanish, English, French, or Portuguese (official sworn translator required)
• Legalise or apostille public documents (such as the criminal record certificate) according to your country’s conventions
• Make copies of all documents and save them digitally in an organised folder
• Confirm your address in Spain (rental contract or invitation letter if staying with someone)
• Review the document list with a visa specialist or lawyer familiar with Spain’s digital nomad visa
• Attend your consulate appointment with all original documents and copies, and submit your application
• Track your application status using the reference number provided by the consulate
• Prepare documents for the residence card (TIE) once your visa is approved, if staying longer than 6 months